A large chuck of my recent grad paper was devoted to comparing the different missions theology of various authors. Of course, before I could compare anything, I had to figure out what in the world was a "missions theology"!!!

In a nutshell (jokes about my brain being the size of a nut can stop), "missions theology" refers to the central Biblical principle(s) that motivate and direct one's actions in world missions.

For example, the authors/editors of the Perspectives On The World Christian Movement class focuses almost exclusively on Matthew 24:14:

“And this gospel of the kingdom will be proclaimed throughout the earth as a testimony to all nations; and then the end will come.”

[@more@]This verse sums up their motivation for world missions – ie. they want to start a church planting movement in every people group so that Jesus can come back again.

In contrast, the authors of The Changing Face of World Missions put the focus on God's glory and a love for each other. This missions theology is best summed up by John Piper's statement:

"Mission exists because worship doesn't"

Over the next few days (or week…depending on long much I type) I will be laying out my missions theology as seen through a Kingdom Theological worldview.